We are asking that BYU implement an on-campus daycare program for student parents. BYU is one of the only universities in the state of Utah that does not provide on campus childcare for its students and faculty. Weber State University and Utah State University both have daycare programs that charge between $3-4 an hour, so that it is more affordable for student parents. Utah Valley University and the University of Utah also have child care that is available on an income-based level. These schools prove that an on-campus daycare is feasible and can be made accessible to student budgets.

     Women are often pressured to primarily take the lead in child rearing, especially in the culture of the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter Day Saints. Because of this, many women are sacrificing their education, in order to stay home to take care of their children. We believe that it is important for men and women both to receive an education, and by creating an option for on-campus childcare, we think that we can help strengthen this outcome.

     Another strong argument in favor of on-campus daycare at BYU is the university’s affiliation with the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter Day Saints. Church leaders have counseled young married couples to not delay starting a family for personal home, career, or wealth goals. Consequently, many at BYU find themselves juggling dual roles as parents and students. BYU should enable students to follow this counsel without sacrificing their education. On-campus daycare is an excellent way for providing this support to student parents.

     The preschool and kindergarten on campus are already spectacular examples of how BYU can assist young families. On-campus daycare would increase the support from BYU. We ask that BYU create a new facility or repurpose existing space to serve children of many ages, train employees that live and work according to Church standards, and financially supplement the service to create more affordable options for its students. We think that by either creating a highly discounted child care program (that is subsidized by BYU) or creating a needs-based program for students that cannot afford to pay, would be some good options for BYU to consider. We believe implementing child care on campus will support the Aims of a BYU education by strengthening families of all sizes and providing more opportunities for parents to receive an education.